ROXY cruising, retirement

[Nicholson58]

We have been living aboard now since June. So far we have traveled about 7500 miles. The rout was Muskegon, Michigan out the St Lawrence by the long way around Nova Scotia and down the east coast. Eventually we went up the Delaware, through the canal and down the Cheasapeak. It was increasingly clear that further travel south would be painful with our length, draft and mast. In Annapolis at the boat show we joined Salty Dawg and made the big jump directly to Virgin Gorda from Hampton, Va. this is about 1400 miles blue water. We completed the passage in 7.5 days with two days in excess of 200 miles. Seas were up to 18 feet and winds were 25 to 35 true from the north for the two long days. All winds were north for the entire passage until the east trades on the last day. The rally arranged free moorings at Bitter End YC until Dec 17 including use of the pool and one night free at the dock. Awsome.

It was interesting how quickly the weather warmed as we made south. Once we crossed the Gulf Stream and headed SE it was only three days before we ditched the fowlies and fleece for bathing suits.

ROXY is now imported to the BVI for a year. This allows multiple re-entry and extends the total annual time from 30 days. We are traveling in the US for the holidays, Tortola, St Martin, Miami, Cincinnati, Denver, San Louis Obispo, Denver, Miami, St Martin, Tortola. The boat is on the hard in Nanny Cay boat yard getting some bottom repairs and Caribbean bottom paint. We return Jan 6.

Not sure where we go next. It's clear that the east trades make east travel tough. One does not go west unless you are willing to buck the trades on return. To go down island, you consider close reach towards Trinidad and return up island by trades. Trinidad would be fun now with Panorama.

[jdazey]

Sounds like you're off to a great start. Enjoy the ride

[MarkJ]

Sail to St Martin, 80 nms.
SXM to St Barts 20 nms.
St B to Antigua 80 nms.

Its all easy.

[brownoarsman]

Sounds like you'll have to change your bio from "retire soon" to "retired now". Congrats on the great start and best wishes for all the fun choices you get to make now in the Caribbean!